BP/W for singles?

[mksmith713]

I just read that BP/W's are NOT very friendly for diving single tanks if you need to add a bunch of weight to get down.
Anyone out there care to chime in on this?

[DMWiz]

That would be incorrect... A BP & Wing would be a lot better for someone who needs to wear a lot of weight. You can use a stainless steel backplate with a heavy single tank adapter and remove some of the weight from the weight belt and place it on your back instead. Additionally you can add plates to some backplates that would make it even heavier.

The lightest stainless steel plate I know of is around 5 pounds with some as heavy as 9 pounds just the plate!
In addition to the plate I would also suggest steel tanks rather than aluminum.

I wonder where you read that and if it was taken out of context?

[mksmith713]

Would this be true for someone who typically needs to add....30 pounds while using a simple BC like a DUI Intrepid Explorer or Zeagle Express Tech?

[mm_dm]

Originally Posted by DMWiz

That would be incorrect... A BP & Wing would be a lot better for someone who needs to wear a lot of weight. You can use a stainless steel backplate with a heavy single tank adapter and remove some of the weight from the weight belt and place it on your back instead. Additionally you can add plates to some backplates that would make it even heavier.

The lightest stainless steel plate I know of is around 5 pounds with some as heavy as 9 pounds just the plate!
In addition to the plate I would also suggest steel tanks rather than aluminum.

I wonder where you read that and if it was taken out of context?

What he said. you won't find a more modular/adaptable system than the plate & wing. You can do all the things Wiz mentioned, add weight pockets or use a separate weight belt...so many options.

Sounds like someone just wanted to crab about the BP/W, or it was someone who never used one before.

[BouzoukiJoe A.K.A. wrecker130 AKA Chuck Norris AKA joeforbroke (banned)]

Troll alert

I prefer my SS BP and steel single- no wieight in fresh with a 5mil and hooded vest. In a seaquest stab jacket, it's 6 pounds in each pocket (2 extra to sink the jacket). So not only do I dive less weight in the BP/W it's distributed on my back. The only negative in my book is that its a PITA to get out of my harness after the dive, and I could fix that by installing a buckle.

You can dive what you want, I'll stick with my BP/W.

[mksmith713]

I was looking at a DR alum BP with HOG harness on one of the other sites.
Special priced at $69.00
That combined with a DR rec wing for $153. and you have a decent set up.
I wonder if ST would match that price?

[mksmith713]

If I could get that pricing, I'd sell off all my other BC's and dedicate myself to BP/W.

[mksmith713]

That pricing from ST...that is.

[mksmith713]

Here's where I got that tidbit on BP/W not being great for singles.

:: View topic - BC vs Backplate and Wing Setup

[Vercingetorix]

Originally Posted by from that forum

For the most part a plate/ wing does not work with single tanks where the diver will need more than 8 lbs of additional ballast. The softpacs like the WTX work better.

Pure, unmitigated bull <censored>.

I dive with a BP/W and neutral AL80. With a SS plate, and a 3mm wetsuit, I need no weight in fresh water. When I dive with the AL plate or a regular AL80, I add 4 pounds. Wearing a 7mm farmer john, I needed only 12 pounds in fresh water. I am 170 pounds, 5'11". Softpaks add buoyancy, which I don't want. My rig with a Hog harness is negatively buoyant.

What site are you getting that pricing from? They may price-match, but you must prove the price exists (not including discount codes or promo codes)